In 1982 Karen Akers wowed Broadway audiences in the original production of Maury Yeston's Nine, earning a Tony nomination for her work as Luisa, the long-suffering wife of filmmaker Guido Contini.

Twenty years later, the musical is set to return to Broadway with a cast headed by film star Antonio Banderas. Mary Stuart Masterson will portray Luisa in the new production of the musical, which begins previews March 21. While Masterson is singing "Be On Your Own" and "My Husband Makes Movies" at the Eugene O'Neill, Akers will be offering her acclaimed renditions of the Maury Yeston tunes a few blocks over at the Algonquin's famed Oak Room. Akers will also offer Nine's "Unusual Way" as well as a host of other Broadway favorites in her newest act, which is simply titled Theatre Songs. The regal chanteuse will begin her month-long run April 15 with performances continuing through May 24. Cabaretgoers can expect to hear the singer-actress wrap her lush contralto — which has been likened to "silver bells wrapped in velvet" — around tunes from Grand Hotel, Brigadoon, Chess and Les Misérables as well as songs by Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rodgers, Marvin Hamlisch and Maltby & Shire.

In addition to her work in the Tommy Tune production of Nine, Akers also starred on Broadway in another Tune-directed musical, Grand Hotel. Her feature film credits include "The Purple Rose of Cairo," "Heartburn" and "Vibes," and she was seen in an episode of the hit TV series "Cheers." It's been the concert/cabaret stage, however, where Akers has garnered the most acclaim, performing in choice venues throughout the United States and Europe. Her seven solo recordings — including her most recent, "Feels Like Home" — are available on CD.

Akers will play Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 9 PM and Friday and Saturdays at 9 and 11:30 PM. There is a $50 cover for all shows plus a $20 minimum. Thursday shows and the early shows on Fridays and Saturdays require a $50 dinner minimum. The Algonquin Hotel is located in Manhattan at 59 West 44th Street. For reservations, call (212) 419-9331.